AI: knew how instead of never

AI: knew how instead of never

“The study does not provide us with abstract fantasies, but rather concrete approaches for everyday construction site life.” The study in question, including a guide with practical tips that Anton Rieder is talking about here, promised exciting reading material. Its title: “Application of artificial intelligence in the construction industry.” The Tyrolean building contractor and deputy federal guild master continued: "For many companies, getting started with AI is a big hurdle - the guide helps to overcome this. What is important is that the industry itself must help shape its implementation - in a practical, realistic and solution-oriented manner."

Clear need to catch up

The study was carried out by the Future Agency for Construction (ZAB) and the University for Continuing Education Krems. It shows that the domestic construction industry still has significant potential to catch up compared to international standards when it comes to the use of artificial intelligence (AI). While large-scale pilot projects are already a reality in the USA, Japan and the Nordic countries, domestic companies are often still in their early stages. But according to the study authors, this is exactly where an opportunity lies: Anyone who starts now with targeted projects and further training initiatives can help shape standards and develop their own solutions.

“Many companies ask us: Where can we start?” reports Georg Hanstein, head of digitalization and innovation at ZAB. The expectation is great - not least because AI is now an omnipresent topic. "The challenge is to identify sensible areas of application without making hasty promises of salvation. We have to look closely at where there is actually a benefit," says Hanstein.

The possible areas of application for AI in construction are diverse: It is already used for monitoring and documentation on construction sites. It helps optimize processes, makes suggestions for designs or helps develop construction schedules.

Hanstein points to the example of the Vorarlberg Rhomberg Group, which evaluates data from sensors, cameras and drones using AI to record construction progress and minimize safety risks. Hanstein: "It can sift through enormous amounts of data that a human couldn't handle in such a short amount of time. This relieves the burden on construction management and prevents delays." The same applies to the planning phase. The AI ​​can generate a large number of design variants in a short time and select the best suggestions from them. “AI opens up completely new possibilities for making optimal use of land,” says Hanstein.

Another possible field of activity for AI is construction scheduling. Today, construction managers usually create schedules manually – based on their experience. An AI, on the other hand, can calculate millions of variants and recommend the most efficient processes. “This means that idle times could be minimized and resources could be used more specifically,” explains Hanstein.

However, the study also points out the key hurdles in implementing AI in companies: a lack of interfaces, inadequate digital infrastructure and the lack of qualified specialists. “As long as there is no structured, digital data, the AI ​​has nothing to work with,” warns Hanstein. In his estimation, around 90 percent of companies still work largely with analog or non-machine-readable data. Only when delivery notes, invoices or timesheets are recorded digitally and in a standardized manner can AI develop its full potential.

Legal and organizational questions should not be underestimated either. Rupert Redl and Christina Ipser from the University of Krems emphasize in the study that companies need clear framework conditions - for example with regard to data protection, responsibility or economic efficiency. “In order to create trust, transparent pilot projects, open standards and stronger legal protection when using AI technologies are needed,” they say.

In parallel to the study, the authors also designed a “Guide to the application of artificial intelligence in the construction industry”. He answers practical questions about the use of AI on construction sites: Which applications are already feasible today? How can initial pilot projects be implemented? Which further training offers make sense? "It's not the biggest solution that counts, but the right one at the right time. The construction industry doesn't need visions from Silicon Valley, but rather tools for everyday work," says study co-author Redl.

ZAB expert Hanstein highlights another aspect: the cultural change in dealing with AI. Many companies still have concerns about entrusting sensitive tasks to a machine. "In tenders, for example, AI could already take over a large part of the work. But there is still a lot of mistrust in companies. Building trust will take time - also because AI tools often deliver incorrect results. You have to know exactly how to use AI."

This is apparently also the opinion in Brussels. The so-called AI Act has been in force in the EU since February 2025. “Every person who uses AI in the company must complete training – even if it’s just an email with ChatGPT,” explains Hanstein. This regulation has not really been reviewed yet, but it already applies: According to this, every employee needs a training certificate - regardless of the size of the company. The ZAB will be offering free training events from January 2026.

The study also advocates a “construction skills offensive”. The aim is to offer practical further training opportunities for all levels – from management to the construction site. Without targeted skills development, the industry risks losing touch with international developments.

Despite all the hurdles, the experts believe the opportunities outweigh the challenges. "AI can help us make processes more efficient, reduce errors and relieve construction management. But the key lies in the data," emphasizes ZAB man Hanstein. Building guild representative Rieder emphasizes this: “Now is the right time to gain experience, build networks and actively help shape future-proof solutions.”

Guide to the application of artificial intelligence in the construction industry

The “Guide to the application of artificial intelligence in the construction industry” is aimed at small and medium-sized companies and answers the following questions:

• Was funktioniert heute schon in der Praxis?
• Wie können erste Pilotprojekte umgesetzt werden?
• Welche Weiterbildungsangebote sind sinnvoll?
• Welche rechtlichen Grundlagen sind zu beachten?

Download the study and the guide